Missouri Faces Surge in Tick Borne Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Health Officials Urge Vigilance

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri officials are sounding the alarm as Lone Star ticks continue to spread, bringing a rare but serious threat, alpha-gal syndrome, a delayed red meat allergy.

This summer, a study found the Lone Star tick in every Missouri county, with Southern Missouri seeing the highest case counts. Alpha-gal syndrome is triggered when a tick injects a sugar molecule into the bloodstream. Hours after eating beef, pork, or even dairy, victims may suffer hives, nausea, stomach pain, and in severe cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Cases nationwide now exceed 110,000, and could be as high as 450,000 according to CDC estimates.

Missouri lawmakers are backing House Bill 986, seeking to make AGS a reportable condition for better tracking.

There’s no cure, only prevention. Officials advise using DEET or permethrin repellents, wearing protective clothing, and conducting frequent tick checks after time outdoors. Removing ticks promptly and properly also helps reduce risk. If you experience delayed allergic symptoms after eating red meat, consult your doctor.

While AGS remains rare, awareness and caution are key to keeping you and your family safe this tick season.